Downtown Los Angeles bid farewell to a long-standing favorite as the Original Pantry Cafe closed its doors on Sunday. The iconic eatery, a fixture at the corner of 9th and South Figueroa streets since 1924, served up classic comfort food like hot coffee, burgers, and breakfast platters for nearly a century.
The closure, prompted by a union contract dispute, drew a crowd of patrons eager to savor one last meal at this historic diner. As the final checks were distributed to the remaining 25 workers, supported by the Unite Here Local 11 labor union, a sense of bittersweetness filled the air. Despite efforts to save the diner, the decision to shut down was final.
Known more for its 24-hour service than gourmet offerings, the Original Pantry Cafe had weathered challenges in the past, including evading a freeway project in the 1950s. Former Mayor Richard Riordan’s involvement in the 1980s had also played a role in the restaurant’s history.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its restrictions and reduced hours, took a toll on the diner. Despite receiving substantial federal loans to preserve jobs, only a fraction of the workforce remained by the time of the closure. Legal battles over unpaid wages and the transfer of ownership to Riordan’s trust added to the diner’s woes.
As the trust sought a buyer to support its philanthropic endeavors, negotiations with the union to honor existing contracts fell through. This led to a grievance being filed with the National Labor Relations Board, further complicating the situation.
Following the closure, attempts by workers to stay on the premises were met with police intervention, culminating in the departure of the Pantry’s staff. Uncertainty loomed over the future, with the union preparing for further action while the fate of the diner remained unclear.
Despite the physical closure, the Pantry’s online ordering service continued to operate, a lingering reminder of the bustling diner that once stood as a beacon for night owls and early risers in Los Angeles. As the community reflects on the end of an era, the legacy of the Original Pantry Cafe lives on in the memories of those who frequented its welcoming doors for generations.